Georgia Trend Daily – Dec. 14, 2023
Dec. 14, 2023 Georgia Recorder
Advocates hopeful after Georgia, Alabama officials announce plan to settle water war outside court
Jill Nolin reports that an agreement between the states of Georgia and Alabama in a yearslong water dispute is being celebrated for where it came about: outside of a courtroom. Governors of the two neighboring Southern states announced in a joint press release this week that they had reached an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates a series of reservoirs in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin.
Dec. 14, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Keep the Film Tax Credit
Brian Robinson writes, fans of Netflix’s Ozark know about the dramatic performances of stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney in the thrilling series. They’ve probably never heard of Mike Neal, a small businessman in Savannah, but they’ve enjoyed his work too.
Dec. 14, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Why the international climate deals made in Dubai matter for Georgia
Drew Kann reports that Georgia is central to America’s hopes of reviving the nuclear energy industry. Plant Vogtle near Augusta is home to the first two new reactors built from scratch in the U.S. in more than 30 years.
Dec. 14, 2023 Augusta Chronicle, Savannah Morning News
Are you owed back wages? DOL says over 7,000 Georgia workers are owed $2.2 million total
Caitlyn Stroh-Page reports that according to U.S. Department of Labor data, businesses owe more than $100 million in back wages to U.S. workers. In Georgia, some part of $2,231,511.30 is owed to 7,131 workers.
Dec. 14, 2023 Marietta Daily Journal
Wellstar Health System, Wellstar Foundation Recognized as Only System in Georgia to Receive $2M grant from HHS
Staff reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, recognized Wellstar as the only system in Georgia and one of 25 nationwide to be awarded funding as part of a $2 million grant from the Biden-Harris Administration. The grant falls in the Cooperative Agreements to Implement Zero Suicide in Health Systems in the form of an intervention and prevention model for adults throughout Wellstar’s health system.
Dec. 14, 2023 Saporta Report
Atlanta Committee for Progress united in supporting Andre Dickens and the city
Maria Saporta reports, it’s been two years since then Mayor-elect Andre Dickens first met with the powerhouse civic group of leaders — the Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP). Based on the turnout at ACP’s December meeting on Dec. 8 at the headquarters of King & Spalding, Mayor Dickens’ relationship with Atlanta’s business and civic leaders is as strong as that of any mayor since Shirley Franklin, who founded the group in 2003.
Dec. 14, 2023 Valdosta Daily Times
Library receives grant for new literacy program
Kasmira Smith reports, a new program to promote reading during prime-time television hours will soon enter South Georgia Regional Libraries. The South Georgia Regional Library system recently received an LSTA mini-grant through the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) to offer a new program called Prime Time.
Dec. 14, 2023 The Brunswick News
Governor’s military committee visits Kings Bay
Gordon Jackson reports that members of the Georgia Joint Defense Commission met Tuesday with staff at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay to learn more about the base’s role in national defense. Former Secretary of Navy William Ball, who served in the 1980s under the Reagan administration, said the visit to Kings Bay was the commission’s final stop during its tour of the state’s military bases.
Dec. 14, 2023 State Affairs
House Speaker taps veteran GOP strategist as senior communications advisor
Jill Jordan Sieder reports, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, announced today the hiring of veteran GOP communications strategist Stephen Lawson as senior advisor for communications. In this role Lawson will oversee all external communication, media relations and strategic messaging for Burns. “Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience, expertise and strategic acumen, having worked at some of the highest levels of politics, policy and government,” said Burns in a press statement.
Dec. 14, 2023 Albany Herald
Gerald Greene convenes final meeting of House Rural Development Council
Staff reports that State Rep. Gerald Greene, R-Cuthbert, recently convened the final meeting of the House Rural Development Council at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Greene was named co-chair of the council, along with state Rep. Mack Jackson, D-Sandersville.
Dec. 14, 2023 Capitol Beat News
McMurry outlines need for major hike in highway funding
Dave Williams reports that Georgia will need to spend at least $81 billion on transportation improvements by 2050 to keep people and freight moving on highways that otherwise will becoming increasingly congested, state Commissioner of Transportation Russell McMurry warned Wednesday. “There’s a lot to be done,” McMurry told members of the State Transportation Board toward the end of a presentation heavy with positive yet alarming statistics.
Dec. 14, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Opposition mounts against new GOP redistricting maps
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Van Brimmer report with that an election ballot deadline fast approaching, critics of Georgia’s new congressional and legislative maps are preparing for a hearing before the federal judge who rejected the state’s previous political boundaries. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones ordered the maps be redrawn on grounds they illegally weaken Black voting strength.
